Supporting Nature Recovery in Devon: BioGains Partners with Devon Environment Foundation (DEF)
BioGains is delighted to announce its recent support for the Devon Environment Foundation (DEF) through a donation aimed at accelerating nature restoration across Devon.
DEF channels funds from businesses and individuals to grassroots nature restoration projects, helping to protect and restore the natural world. These projects provide inspiring, cost-effective solutions to sequester carbon, increase biodiversity, prevent flooding and droughts, reduce soil erosion, and clean up pollution.
About Devon Environment Foundation
The Devon Environment Foundation specialises in identifying the most innovative and impactful local nature restoration projects, providing vital kick-start or scale-up funding. DEF fills a key funding gap for small but pioneering initiatives that need flexible financial and mentoring support.
Since launching in 2020, DEF has supported 92 grassroots projects tackling the climate and nature crises, awarding over £1.3 million in grants. However, demand far exceeds available funding — DEF can currently fund only around 46% of grant applications, meaning many high-potential projects remain unfunded or scaled back.
👉 Find out more about DEF [HERE]
💚 Add your support or make a donation [HERE]
Examples of DEF Projects Needing Support
🌳 Moor Trees
Piloting a new approach to encourage natural woodland regeneration through strategically planted clusters of native provenance trees — supporting wildlife and climate-resilient habitats in Dartmoor’s valleys.
💪 Force for Nature
Expanding a volunteer network for hands-on restoration — from hedge planting and pond creation to invasive species removal — providing farmers and landowners with a free, nature-positive resource.
🚜 Farm Clusters
Supporting peer-to-peer farming networks to promote nature-friendly agriculture. With public funding uncertain, DEF helps kickstart and sustain clusters that play a vital role in restoring landscapes.
🍄 Flete Field Lab
Trialling pioneering mycelium and biochar techniques to capture carbon, enhance soil health, and clean rivers through low-cost, replicable mycofiltration solutions.
🐝 Pesticide-Free Devon
Coordinating a county-wide movement to reduce pesticide use across gardens, communities, and farms. By prioritising collaboration, this grassroots initiative aims for long-lasting, scalable change.
🦋 Species Recovery Centre
Developing breeding programmes for Devon’s most threatened and locally extinct species, with the goal of restoring biodiverse ecosystems that capture carbon and rebuild resilience.
Working Together for Nature
BioGains is proud to play its part in supporting DEF’s mission — helping Devon’s communities, landowners, and organisations restore biodiversity and build a more resilient natural environment for future generations.